Community Service Awards Thomas MacLachlan – Brindabella Christian College Thomas was an inaugural member of the college’s technical support team, where he provided ongoing technical support over a number of years. He was engaged with volunteer work for Oxfam, St John's First Aid and the Lifeline Book Fair. Thomas is applauded for his willingness to support people in need. Ewan McArthur – Burgmann Anglican School In the wider community, Ewan has organised and participated in charity and fundraising events such as the 40 Hour Famine and the Anglicare Winter Sleep Out. Within the school community his involvement has included choir, band, lead roles in school musicals and as a coach in junior basketball. As an elected student leader, Ewan was a mentor to younger students, enthusiastically organising various activities, including school socials. Katherine Rankine – the Canberra College Kate served on the school board, was team leader for the Student Leadership subcommittee and was elected as principal for a day in 2013. She started the student study help library and initiated a peer support program. Kate was a member, master of ceremonies, mentor and narrator for the 2013 Youth Parliament on Sustainability at the ANU and was a representative at the UN Youth Conference and the Youth Leadership Forum 2013. Phyllida Behm – Canberra Girls’ Grammar School Phyllida has been a member of the Safe School Committee, the chair of the Student Representative Council and a representative in debating and public speaking. Beyond school Phyllida has represented UN Women, and spoken as a student ambassador in Gallipoli on Anzac Day as well as at The Hague. Phyllida is an eloquent orator, displays empathy towards others and is an exemplary role model for young women. Benjamin Naufahu – Canberra Institute of Technology Year 12 Ben has been a very active member of the Student Leadership Group throughout 2014. He volunteered in the Year 12 Community Garden, organised fund raising barbeques and worked on the student year book. Ben has had considerable community involvement including as a member of the ACT Youth Advisory Council and ambassador for the Pasifika Australia program in 2014. Haydn Andrews – Daramalan College Haydn has been an outstanding and inspirational Community Service Captain in 2014. He established programs including Relay for Life and Beanies for Brain Injury. Haydn is a positive role model to junior students and inclusive in all that he does. He acts with compassion towards others and demonstrates initiative, passion and commitment. Hajira Mohamed – Dickson College Hajira has played an integral role in the college refugee bridging program and is an excellent advocate for refugees and for young Muslim women. She has been a reliable and consistent mentor to other students in the program, focussing on those new to the school. Hajira represented the ACT at the Multicultural Youth Forum in Sydney. She understands the value of community and is a strong advocate for Multicultural Youth Services and Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services. Romana Peckham – Erindale College As a member of the College Board, Romana has demonstrated that she is a capable advocate for students, whilst appreciating significant operational aspects. She represented Australia at the Asia-Pacific Young Student Leaders’ Congress in China in 2013. Romana has been involved in college productions and activities and provided support for students who were experiencing difficulties, helping them to resolve concerns and find assistance. Claire O'Connor – Gungahlin College Claire always volunteers to assist others. She has made a significant contribution through her participation in open nights, transition events, Remembrance Day and musical performances. Claire has been an active member of the Green team, applying for grants and participating in the Frog Watch Program. Corey Kettmann – Hawker College Corey has been actively involved in the Student Leadership Group, master of ceremonies at a number of college events including college year meetings and a key contributor in charity fund-raising activities. Abiah Bull – Lake Tuggeranong College Abiah was president of the Student Representative Council and represented the college in the National Day of Action against Violence. She organised the college Battle of the Bands and trivia night. She also represented the ACT in gymnastics and coached younger gymnasts. Abiah’s profile as a musician includes college productions of Chicago and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying and in college arts festivals. Keeran Sritharan – Marist College Keeran has demonstrated natural leadership ability. This is exemplified in his role as house captain and his work with the St Vincent de Paul Group. In addition Keeran contributes to projects such as Marymead games nights, fundraising for House Charities and participating in Clean Up Australia. Emily Fakavamoeanga – Melba Copland Secondary School Emily is a regular volunteer at her local church, assists at a breakfast program for the homeless, sings in the choir and represented the church as a delegate to Christian and Tongan conferences. At school her contribution has revolved around the school’s Pasifika Celebrations. Emily was a lead organiser, running the program of events and taking responsibility for the catering. Taylor Gallagher – Merici College Taylor has been an enthusiastic participant in house activities and charity work. She has been a positive role model for younger students and a great support to teachers through teaching sessions at a local primary school and active leadership on Year 7 camp. Taylor was involved in organizing and making the Year 12 leavers video, and supported other students as needed. Gabriela Freeman – Narrabundah College Gabriela has volunteered at Questacon, directed and participated in the 40 Hour Famine at the college, participated in the Colour Run for the Canberra hospital and Relay for Life to raise money for cancer, mentored and organised activities for Venturer Scouts and participated in the United Nations Youth Association debating team to raise awareness about global issues. Liam Braithwaite – Radford College Liam has been instrumental in the YMCA’s recreational activities for people with intellectual disabilities program. He has been a tutor and mentor for younger peers for the last two years. Liam co-ran an awareness session for prevention of violence against women and he has worked in indigenous service projects in northern NSW. Ashleigh Simpson – St Clare’s College Ashleigh has been the driving force behind many initiatives at the college. She has used her organisational skills and eloquence to facilitate a wide range of activities, from the celebration of International Women's Day to raising awareness for Caritas charities and in refugee advocacy. Her personal commitment to justice and equity has been evident to all. James Kenny – St Edmund’s College James has assisted in numerous liturgical and youth ministry activities at the college. He spent ten days on an immersion trip in India, assisting with several charities. James was also involved in an eight day outreach program that ran in Darwin and the Tiwi islands. He has assisted in numerous fundraising initiatives around Canberra and been involved directly in assisting in a number of school functions. Lauren Caskie – St Francis Xavier College Lauren is an enthusiastic, community minded student. She has been a key member of the Year 12 Leadership Group and she has actively organised and encouraged her fellow students to participate in a variety of community building activities. Lauren’s involvement in college youth ministry has enabled her to be a positive and supportive influence to other students. Hayley Ngametua – St Mary MacKillop College As College Sports Captain, Hayley has shown an authentic concern for younger students. Her leadership in extra-curricular activities includes sports coaching and competitions, membership of the Student Representative Council and her role in cross-campus mentoring. Zoe Taylor – Trinity Christian School Zoe played a significant role in running the Student Representative Council. She conducted fundraising for the school’s mission trip and was a valued member of the team that visited and delivered books and sporting equipment to several schools in Uganda. Zoe also coaches and umpires netball, visits Goodwin Village, assists at her church, plays with the college concert and jazz bands, and assisted with the school music tour in 2013. Lachlan Campion – UC Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra As a member of the Australian Navy Cadets, Lachlan has contributed to the wider community. He supports active and retired members of the defence forces, Legacy Week fundraising and representation at memorials, such as those for HMAS Canberra and the WRANS. Not only has he been pivotal in raising significant funds, Lachlan has helped to raise the profile of the Australian Navy Cadets in Canberra. Jack Eljuga-Bundock – The Woden School Jack has been a member of the Student Representative Council. He took a leadership role as an active and enthusiastic member of the School Car Wash Team and participated in charity fundraisers, such as Prada Willie Day, Biggest Morning Tea and Pyjama Day. Jack obtained his White Card which provided him with the skills and knowledge to operate on a construction job site safely and he assisted in the ongoing maintenance of the school building. Jack also obtained his Certificate I in Kitchen Operations and he has used his skills to support others at the school in practical kitchen routines and food preparation including as a voluntary member of the catering crew for the Cranleigh Art Show and in maintaining a hygienic and clean student common room area. Vocational Studies Awards Amy Oster – Brindabella Christian College Amy achieved both Certificate I and II Hospitality (Kitchen Operations). Not only was her work product outstanding, so too was her work ethic, as evident in the significant number of events she catered for over the last two years. These included major functions at the college, coffee services and three course meals. Her attitude and dedication to this vocation are outstanding.